Bests: Outstanding, for openers

Opening-drive offense:

The Broncos’ offense was brilliant . . . for one drive: Kyle Orton led a six-play, 69-yard touchdown march to open the game and stake the Broncos to a 7-0 lead.

Lloyd’s benchmark:

By early in the first quarter, Broncos receiver Brandon Lloyd had gone over 1,000 yards receiving for the season for the first time in his eight-year career. Lloyd’s previous career high was 733 yards, set in 2005.

Worsts: Denver punts game away

The Chargers’ maligned special-teams unit earned itself a game ball with a perfectly executed fake punt in the first quarter, a play that changed the course of the game.

Orton on the ground:

The Broncos’ offensive line had few answers for San Diego’s relentless pass rush, and quarterback Kyle Orton was sacked five times, including twice by Shaun Phillips, left, in the second quarter.

Penalty problem:

No phase of the Broncos’ game — not offense, defense or special teams — was immune to penalties. In all, the team was flagged eight times for 56 yards, a week after committing only three penalties against the Chiefs.

Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post

The ex factor

A look at how three former Broncos jettisoned by Josh McDaniels performed in the past week:

Brandon Marshall

Caught three passes for 41 yards as the Dolphins were shut out by the Bears. He has 693 yards receiving and one TD this season.

Jay Cutler

Threw for 156 yards, with one interception and no touchdowns — the third game this year he has failed to throw a TD pass.

Peyton Hillis

Scored a touchdown and led the Browns in both yards rushing (48) and yards receiving (95) in Cleveland’s loss.